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More than 300 members of the Kent State community participated in the Flash-A-Thon dance marathon in April at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, raising more than $13,800 for the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Akron Children’s Hospital.

The 12-hour Flash-A-Thon dance marathon is part of the Children’s Miracle Network and featured patients who have been treated at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Jacqueline Cornell, co-president of Flash-A-Thon, says the event was emotional for all of the dancers. According to Cornell, most of the students wanted to stay the whole time to support the patients.

“Those 12 hours actually meant something to them,” Cornell says.

Pamela Holtz, director of Annual Giving at Akron Children’s Hospital, says the hospital is blessed to have generous and loyal support from the community and is grateful for the support from Kent State students. 

“It was amazing to see so many different communities of Kent State join together to raise awareness and funds for the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders,” Holtz says.  “It was all about the students coming together to take a stand against pediatric cancer — to be part of something so much larger than them,” she says.

Holtz says the students treated the families and patients like rock stars.

“Having so many people surround them and offer their support was the greatest gift that the dancers could give. Not only did they have fun, they were reminded that they are not alone,” Holtz says.

Ashley Whittlesey, fashion merchandising major, says Flash-A-Thon was an amazing experience.

“Being there, seeing so many people laughing and dancing together for these kids was just amazing to be a part of,” Whittlesey says. “The atmosphere was almost electric, and the happiness that was present in the room was wonderful to feel.”

Holtz says the Showers Center for Childhood Cancer depends on individuals and organizations like the Kent State Flash-a-Thon. 

“Your generosity enables the hospital to continue to provide comprehensive programs and services to our patients fighting cancer and blood disorders and to care for the entire family while their child battles their illness,” she says.